Power line coupling device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

The coupling device of the present invention includes a housing, a first fastening member attached to said housing and coupled to the power line, a second fastening member attached to the housing and coupled to the power line, an inductor providing an impedance to data transmissions between the first fastening member and the second fastening member; a first conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the first fastening member; and a second conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the second fastening member. The second ends of the first conductor and second conductor providing data signals to a connector. In addition, the housing may include a transformer secured therein for coupling power transmissions to the connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims priority to of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/176,500 filed Jun. 21, 2002 (CRNT-0081), whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to data communication over apower distribution system and more particularly, to a device forcoupling to a power line to provide data communications through thepower line and method of using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Well-established power distribution systems exist throughout most of theUnited States, and other countries, which provide power to customers viapower lines. With some modification, the infrastructure of the existingpower distribution systems can be used to provide data communication inaddition to power delivery, thereby forming a power distributioncommunication system. In other words, existing power lines, that alreadyhave been run to many homes and offices, can be used to carry datasignals to and from the homes and offices. These data signals arecommunicated on and off the power lines at various points in the powerdistribution communication system, such as, for example, near homes,offices, Internet service providers, and the like.

While the concept may sound simple, there are many challenges toovercome in order to use power lines for data communication. Powerdistribution systems include numerous sections, which transmit power atdifferent voltages. The transition from one section to another typicallyis accomplished with a transformer. The sections of the power linedistribution system that are connected to the customers typically arelow voltage (LV) sections having a voltage between 100 volts and 240volts, depending on the system. In the United States, the low voltagesection typically is about 120 volts (120V). The sections of the powerdistribution system that provide the power to the low voltage sectionsare referred to as the medium voltage (MV) sections. The voltage of theMV section is in the range of 1,000 Volts to 100,000 volts. Thetransition from the MV section to the LV section of the powerdistribution system typically is accomplished with a distributiontransformer, which converts the higher voltage of the MV section to thelower voltage of the LV section.

Power system transformers are one obstacle to using power distributionlines for data communication. Transformers act as a low-pass filter,passing the low frequency signals (e.g., the 50 or 60 Hz power signals)and impeding high frequency signals (e.g., frequencies typically usedfor data communication) from passing through the transformer. As such,power distribution communication systems face the challenge of passingthe data signals around the distribution transformers.

To bypass the distribution transformer, the bypassing system needs amethod of coupling data to and from the medium voltage power line. Asdiscussed, medium voltage power lines can operate from about 1000 V toabout 100 kV, and often have high current flows. Consequently, couplingto a medium voltage power line gives rise to safety concerns for theuser installing the coupling device. In addition, the coupling deviceshould be designed to operate to provide safe and reliable communicationof data signals with a medium voltage power line—carrying high power—inall outdoor environments such as extreme heat, cold, humidity, rain,high shock, and high vibration. Also, coupling around the transformerraises concern that dangerous MV voltage levels may be provided to thecustomer premises on the data line.

In addition, a coupling device should be designed so that is does notsignificantly compromise the signal-to-noise ratio or data transfer rateand facilitates bi-directional communication. Furthermore, the couplingdevice is preferably designed so that it can be installed withoutdisrupting power to customers. These and other advantages are providedby various embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One objective of the invention is to provide a coupling device forcoupling to a power line to facilitate data communications through thepower line and method of using the same.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a coupling device forcoupling to a power line to conduct communications signals to and fromthe power line.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide acoupling device that can be installed on an uninsulated power linecarrying power, thereby alleviating the need to disconnect power fromthe power line and disrupt power to power customers.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a couplingdevice that does not require modification of the existing power line.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a couplingdevice that is reliable and economic to manufacture.

These and other objectives are achieved by one embodiment of the presentinvention comprising a housing, a first fastening member attached tosaid housing and coupled to the power line, a second fastening memberattached to the housing and coupled to the power line, an inductorproviding an impedance to data transmissions between the first fasteningmember and the second fastening member; a first conductor having a firstend electrically coupled to the first fastening member; and a secondconductor having a first end electrically coupled to the secondfastening member. The second ends of the first conductor and secondconductor providing data signals to a connector. In addition, thehousing is comprised of a first housing portion and second housingportion that are pivotally coupled to each other to allow transitionbetween an open configuration and a closed configuration. Finally, thehousing may include a transformer secured therein for coupling power tothe connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described in the detailed description thatfollows, by reference to the noted drawings by way of non-limitingillustrative embodiments of the invention, in which like referencenumerals represent similar parts throughout the drawings. As should beunderstood, however, the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation illustrating a portion of anexample data communication system in which the present invention may beused;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the partial assembly of anexample embodiment of a coupling device according to the presentinvention mounted on a power line;

FIG. 3 is a side assembly view illustrating an example embodiment of acoupling device according to the present invention mounted on a powerline;

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a portion of a housing assembly of anexample embodiment of a coupling device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a portion of a housing of an exampleembodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of clamp brackets of an exampleembodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tube portion of an example embodimentof a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a core portion of an example embodimentof a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inductor portion of an exampleembodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a handle assembly of an exampleembodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of illustrating an example embodiment of acoupling device according to the present invention in the openconfiguration;

FIG. 12 is a schematical representation of an example embodiment of acoupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an alternate example embodiment of acoupling device according to the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of another handle assembly ofan example embodiment of a coupling device according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Power distribution systems include components for power generation,power transmission, and power delivery. A transmission substation istypically used to increase the voltage from power generation source tohigh voltage (HV) levels for long distance transmission on high voltagetransmission lines to a substation. Typical voltages found on highvoltage transmission lines range from 69 to in excess of 800 kilovolts(kV).

In addition to high voltage transmission lines, power distributionsystems include medium voltage power lines and low voltage power line.As discussed, medium voltage typically is from about 1000 V to about 100kV and low voltage is typically from about 100 V to about 240 V.Transformers typically are used to convert between the respectivevoltage portions, e.g., between the high voltage section and the mediumvoltage section and between the medium voltage section and the lowvoltage section. Transformers have a primary side for connection to afirst voltage (e.g., the MV section) and a secondary side for outputtinganother (usually lower) voltage (e.g., the LV section). Suchtransformers are often referred to as a step down transformers becausethey typically “step down” the voltage to some lower voltage.Transformers, therefore, provide voltage conversion for the powerdistribution system. Thus, power is carried from substation transformerto a distribution transformer over one or more medium voltage powerlines. Power is carried from the distribution transformer to thecustomer premises via one or more low voltage lines.

In addition, a distribution transformer may function to distribute one,two, three, or more phase currents to the customer premises, dependingupon the demands of the user. In the United States, for example, theselocal distribution transformers typically feed anywhere from one to tenhomes, depending upon the concentration of the customer premises in aparticular area.

Distribution transformers may be pole-top transformers located on autility pole, pad-mounted transformers located on the ground, ortransformers located under ground level.

The coupling device of the present invention is designed to be used aspart of a power line coupler 10, which, together with and a power linebridge 50, form the bypass system to communicate data signals around thetransformer that would otherwise filter such data signals, preventingthem from passing through the transformer. FIG. 1 is a schematicrepresentation illustrating such a bypass system having a power linecoupler 10 and power line bridge 50.

The power line coupler 10 interfaces data signals to medium voltagepower lines on the primary side of the transformer 25 and the power linebridge 50 interfaces data signals to low voltage power lines on thesecondary side of the transformer 25. The power line coupler 10 provideselectrical isolation between the transformer primary side (e.g., the MVsection) and secondary side (e.g., LV section), thereby preventingsubstantial power flow through the power line coupler and the power linebridge. It should be appreciated that the functionality of the powerline coupler 10 and the power line bridge 50 can be included in onedevice or distributed in more than one device.

The power line coupler 10 includes a power line coupling device thatconducts data signals to and from the power line. The power line coupler10 may include additional circuitry to condition the data signal, tohandle bidirectional signal transfer, to enable the use of an electricalisolator, to provide operational power from the power line, to convertdata signals to a different format (e.g., for transmission to the userpremises), and may be designed to be self-contained.

The power line coupler 10 and power line bridge 50 communicate with eachother, thereby allowing data signals to bypass the transformer, thusavoiding the filtering of the high frequency data signal that otherwisewould occur in the transformer 25. Lower frequency power signalscontinue to flow from medium voltage power lines to low voltage powerlines through the transformer 25. As discussed, the power line coupler10 provides electrical isolation between the medium voltage power lineand low voltage power lines by substantially preventing power fromflowing through the bypass system.

The electrical isolation may include a non-electrical signal path (i.e.,for transmission of a signal that is non-electrical). A non-electricalsignal may be a light signal, a radio frequency signal, a microwavesignal, and the like. The power line coupler 10 transmits the signalover the non-electrical signal path (or other path). The power linebridge 50 receives the non-electrical signal and conditions the signalfor communication to the customer premises over the low voltage powerlines or through another communication medium such over a telephoneline, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or wirelessly.

As discussed, the power line coupler 10 includes a coupling device forconducting data signals to and from the power line. FIGS. 2-5, and 12illustrate an example embodiment of a coupling device 100 according tothe present invention. The coupling device 100 of this exampleembodiment is designed to couple with a medium voltage power line thatis not insulated, such as the overhead transmission lines of the UnitedStated that typically include two or more wires running parallel to eachother with an air gap between them acting as a dielectric.

The coupling device 100 in this example embodiment includes a housing101 having a front housing portion 103 and a back housing portion 102that are mechanically coupled to each other by a pair of hinges 205.Each housing portion 102, 103 may be milled from a block of Noryl™,which is a commercially available elastomer manufactured by GeneralElectric. However, the housing portions 102, 103 may also be createdwith injection molding or through other means.

The hinges 205 permit the front and back housing portions 103, 102 topivot from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Clampbrackets 210, shown in detail in FIG. 6, are mounted to the ends of theback housing portion 102 with mounting screws (not shown) that arereceived by mounting holes in the ends of the back housing portion 102.

A hot wire clamp 220 is attached to each clamp bracket 210 with screwsthat extend through mounting holes in the clamp bracket 210 and into thehot wire clamp 220. As will be discussed in more detail below, the hotwire clamps 220 are used for attaching the coupling device 100 to thepower line. Suitable hot wire clamps for the example embodiment may beproduct number AH4GPXB, manufactured by Hubbell Power Systems ofCentralia, Mo., and may be modified to mate with the clamp brackets 210as will be evident to those skilled in the art. In this exampleembodiment, the hot wire clamps 220 are modified to have mounting holesand a dove tail groove. The dove tail groove is designed to receive thedove tail extension 211 of the respective clamp bracket 210 to which itis mounted. Other hot wire clamps and other types of fastening membersmay used to accommodate other housing structures and wire sizes/types.

Also mounted to the housing 101 is a handle assembly 301, a connector401 for providing an electrical connection to the coupling device 100,and a pair of twist clamps 130 for securing the housing 101 in theclosed configuration. Suitable hinges for use in this example embodimentinclude the commercially available hinges from SouthCo, Inc. ofConcordville, Pa., identified by part number E6-10-301-20. Likewise,suitable twist clamps for use in this example embodiment include partnumber K2-3005-51, also manufactured by SouthCo Inc. of Concordville,Pa. These commercially available twist clamps have been modified toinclude an aperture in the gripping portion that is sized to receive theend of an electric utility safety stick (or bang stick). A suitableconnector for use in this embodiment is available from Conxall Corp. ofVilla Park, Ill. as part number 14180-7SG-300.

When the housing 101 is in the closed configuration, a cylindricalopening 105 through the housing 101 allows the power line to passthrough the housing. Thus, each of the back housing portion 102 and thefront housing portion 103 includes a substantially semicircular recessextending longitudinally along its entire length. A tube portion 101,shown in FIG. 7, is mounted in the semicircular recess of the backhousing portion 102 and the front housing portion 103. The tube portions110 are semicircular in shape, may be manufactured from aluminum, andsized to mate with the semicircular recesses of the back housing portion102 and front housing portion 103. The tube portions 110 are mounted tothe back housing portion 102 and front housing portion 103 with tenmounting screws that extend through the ten mounting apertures of thetube portions 110 and into the corresponding mounting holes designed toreceive the mounting screws in the back housing portion 102 and fronthousing portion 103. Although FIG. 7 provides one example of such a tubeportion, it should be appreciated that other configurations also arecontemplated.

Thus, in this embodiment, when the housing 101 is in the closedconfiguration, the tube portions 110 of the back housing portion 102 andfront housing portion 103 form the cylindrical opening 105, which actsas a power line passage permitting passage of the power line through thehousing of the coupling device 100. In this embodiment, the power linedoes not contact the passage (i.e., the inside of the tube portions110), although other embodiments may permit the power line to contactthe components defining the passage.

The back housing portion 102 and front housing portion 103 (housingportions 102, 103) are nearly identical internally. Consequently, thefollowing descriptions of the back housing portion 102 apply equallywell to the front housing portion 103

The housing portions 102, 103 combine to form first and second corechambers 120 a-b, which are separated by a center partition 125. Centerpartition 125 is disposed along the lateral center line of the housing101 so that core chamber 120 a is adjacent one side of the center lineand core chamber 120 b is adjacent the other side of the center line.

The core chambers 120 a-b are designed to receive and retain the coreportions, which in this embodiment form part of one or moretransformers. In this example embodiment, only one core 501 is included,which is disposed in core chamber 120 b. Other embodiments, however, mayinclude another core disposed in core chamber 120 a.

The core 501 is substantially toroidal in shape and formed by two coreportions 501 a which are shaped substantially as a half of a toroid asshown in FIG. 8. A suitable part, from which the core 501 of thisexample embodiment may be created, is part number CRAZ-1038-A, availablefrom National-Arnold Magnetic Inc. of Adelanto Calif., which is cut inhalf to form core portions 501 a. Each core portion 501 a includes afirst mating surface 505 and a second mating surface 506. The matingsurfaces 505, 506, in this example embodiment, are sealed with a coatingof Parylene™ that will inhibit corrosion of the mating surfaces 505,506. The inner radius of the core 501 is designed to be slightly largerthan the exterior radius of the tube portion 110. In this exampleembodiment, the core 501 has approximate dimensions of a 0.8 inch innerradius, 1.5 inch outer radius, and 2.0 inch width.

A core portion 501 a resides in the core chamber 120 b of the backhousing portion 102 and of front housing portion 103. When the housing101 is in the closed configuration, the mating surfaces 505 of each coreportion 501 a are urged into contact with each other and the matingsurfaces 506 of each core portion 501 a are urged into contact with eachother thereby forming a complete toroid.

The housing 101 also includes one or more urging members (not shown).The urging members urge the core portions 501 a against the tubeportions 110 (with a synthetic rubber gasket, such as Neoprene™, therebetween) and towards each other when the housing is in the closedconfiguration. In this example embodiment, the urging member is amulti-layered synthetic rubber gasket (not shown) attached to the backsurface of core chambers 120 a-b and is approximately one half inch inthickness. The thickness and other characteristics of the urging memberof this embodiment are such that when the housing is in the openconfiguration, the ends of the core portions 501 a (adjacent matingsurfaces 505, 506) extend slightly from the back housing portion 102 andfront housing portion 103.

The urging member is an elastic device that resists deformation. Duringassembly, each core portion 501 a is placed in the core chamber 120 a ofits respective housing portion 102, 103 (on top of the gasket) and thentubing portions 110 are mounted to the respective housing portion 102,103. Mounting of the tubing portions 110 forces each core portion 501 arearward, against the urging member of the core chamber 120 b. Thus,when the tubing portions 110 are fully mounted, each core portion 501 ais fixed in place because it is forced against the tube portion 110(with a gasket there between) by the pressure exerted against the rearsurface 502 of the core portion 501 a by the urging member.

When the housing 101 is in the closed configuration, the rear surface502 of each core portion 501 a is pressed against the urging member(e.g., the gasket). Although the urging member deforms, it resistsdeformation and urges core portion 501 a toward the mating core portion501 a (and vice versa) so that the mating faces 505, 506 of the coreportions 501 a are pressed tightly together, thereby forming a frictionfit and resisting movement with respect to each other.

The back housing portion 102 and front housing portion 103 also combineto form first and second inductor chambers 140 a-b. The followingdescription of inductor chamber 140 a is also applicable to inductorchamber 140 b, as will be evident to one skilled in the art, and istherefore not repeated here.

Each inductor chamber 140 includes an outer inductor chamber 150 and aninner inductor chamber 160, which are separated by an inductor partition170. Each inductor chamber 140 is adapted to receive one or moreinductors. In this example embodiment, the inductor in each chamber iscomprised of two ferrite toroids (for a total of eight in the couplingdevice 100), which act as inductors when the coupling device 100 isinstalled on the power line. A ferrite toroid suitable for modificationand use in this example embodiment is Type 43 Ferrite Core, Part No.5943003801, manufactured by Kreger Components, Inc., of Roanoke, Va. Thetotal combined inductance of the eight ferrite toroids may besubstantially equivalent to an inductor having an inductance in therange of about 0.1 microHenries to 5.0 microHenries. Alternateembodiments, however, may include one or more inductors with valuesoutside of this range.

Because all of the ferrite inductors in this example embodiment are thesame, only one will be described herein. However, it should beappreciated that other embodiments contemplated by the invention mayinclude ferrite inductors having varying sizes and shapes. The inductoris substantially toroidal in shape and formed by two inductor portions602, which are shaped substantially as a half of a toroid, as shown inFIG. 9. Each inductor portion 602 includes a first mating face 605 andsecond mating face 606. An inductor portion 602 is disposed in theinductor chambers 140 in both the back housing portion 102 and fronthousing portion 103. When the housing 101 is in the closedconfiguration, the mating faces 605 and 606 of each inductor portion 602in the back housing portion 102 contact with the corresponding inductorportion 602 in the other front portion 103 forming a complete toroidthat acts as inductor and provides an impedance to data transmissions.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, manufacturing tolerancessometimes allow components intended to align, to be out of alignment. Toensure that the mating surfaces 605, 606 of the inductor portions 602mate together properly when the housing is in the closed configuration,a synthetic rubber gasket is disposed on the outer side of the outerinductor chamber 150. The synthetic rubber gasket resists deformation(although it deforms) to urge the inductor portion 602 of the inductorin the outer inductor chamber 150 toward the inductor partition 170.Likewise, a synthetic rubber gasket is positioned on the inner side ofinner inductor chamber 160 to urge the inductor portion 602 in the innerinductor chamber 160 toward the inductor partition 170. Thus, theinductors disposed in the inner inductor chamber 160 and outer inductorchamber 150 are both urged toward the inductor partition 170 to ensurethat the mating faces 605,606 of the inductor portions 602 are inalignment when the housing 101 is in the closed configuration.

In addition, this example embodiment also includes an urging member inthe inductor chambers, as described with respect to the core, to urgethe inductor portions 602 together when the coupling device is in theclosed configuration and against the tube portions 110 (with a gasketthere between). Thus, when the coupling device 100 is installed on theline, the inductor extends around the circumference of the power line sothat at least a portion of the inductor is coupled to the flux of thepower line extending through the power line passage.

The handle assembly 301 is adapted to receive a bang stick to installthe coupling device 100. As is well-known in the industry, a bang stickis an instrument used by electric utility personnel to handle andinstall devices on power lines. Referring to FIGS. 2, 10, and 11, thehandle assembly 301 includes a first handle portion 310 and a secondhandle portion 320. The first handle portion 310 is mounted to the backhousing portion 102 and the second handle portion 320 is mounted to thefront housing portion 103. Mounting screws through the handle portions310, 320 are received in screw holes in their respective housingportions to fixedly attach the handles portions 310, 320, to the housingportions 102, 103.

The first handle portion 310 includes a base 311, a gripping portion312, and a control member 313. The control member 313 includes anaperture 314 therethrough that is sized to receive and engage the end ofthe bang stick. The gripping portion 312 extends upward substantiallyperpendicular to the top surface 104 of the back housing portion 102.The second handle portion 320 includes a base 321, a gripping portion322, and a control member 323. The control member 323 includes anaperture 324 therethrough that is sized to receive and engage the end ofthe bang stick. The gripping portion 322 of the second handle portion320 extends upward at an angle that is thirty degrees from perpendicularto the top surface 105 of the front housing portion 102. Thus, the anglebetween the first handle portion 310 and the second handle portion 320is approximately thirty degrees when the coupling device 101 is in theclosed configuration.

The gripping portion 320 of the second handle portion 320 is slightlyshorter in length than the gripping portion 312 of the first handleportion 310 and is shorter by a magnitude substantially equal to thethickness of the control member 313 of the first handle portion 310.

When the twist clamps 130 are unlocked, gripping the handle assembly 301urges the second handle portion 320 toward the first handle portion 310to open the coupling device 100. In the open configuration, the firsthandle portion 310 and the second handle portion 320 both extend upwardperpendicular to the top surface 104 of the back housing portion 102, asbest shown in FIG. 11. In addition, the rear side of the grippingportion 322 of the second handle portion 320 is adjacent the front sideof the gripping portion 312 of the first handle portion 310. Likewise,in the open configuration the top surface of the control member 323 ofthe second handle portion 320 is adjacent the bottom surface of thecontrol member 313 of the first handle portion 310. Thus, in the openconfiguration, the gripping portions 312, 322 of the handle portions310, 320 coextend to form a handle that is sized to be gripped by thehuman hand to hold the coupling device in the open configuration.

In addition, in the open configuration the aperture 324 of the secondhandle portion 320 is in alignment with the aperture 314 of the firsthandle portion 310. The alignment of the apertures 314, 324 permitinsertion of a bang stick though the apertures 314, 324, which therebyholds the control members 323, 313 of the handle assembly together andthe coupling device 100 in the open configuration permitting release ofthe gripping portions 312, 322 of the handle assembly. In the openconfiguration, the housing portions 102, 103 are held open at a thirtydegree angle permitting installation onto a power line.

The coupling device 100 also includes conductors for communicating datasignals to and from the power line. Referring to FIG. 4, data signalwire 703 is attached to hot clamp 220 so that when the hot clamp 220 iscoupled to the power line, the data signal wire 703 is electricallycoupled to the power line. Likewise, data signal wire 704 is attached tothe other hot clamp 220 so that when that hot clamp 220 is coupled tothe power line, the data signal wire 704 is electrically coupled to thepower line. Each data signal wire 703, 704 enters the housing 101through an aperture on the end of the back housing portion 102. Thewires 703, 704 are disposed in grooves 115 in the partitions of the backhousing portion 102, which allow the wires 703, 704 to traverse acrossthe partitions that separate various chambers in the back housingportion 102. The wires 703, 704 are coupled to separate connectionterminals of the connector 401.

The core 501, which couples to the flux of the power line passingthrough the power line passage, forms part of a transformer thatprovides a power signal to the connector 401. The power line through thecore 501 acts as a single turn primary. A conductor is wound around thecore 501 a plurality of turns to provide a secondary winding. The firstand second ends of the secondary winding of the core 501 provide firstand second power conductors 503, 504 that are coupled to separateconnection terminals of connector 401. Thus, connector 401 provides apathway for the signals carried by the data wires 703 and 704 and powerconductors 503 and 504 into and out of the housing 101.

To install the coupling device 100 on the power line, the user unlocksthe twist clamps 130 and grips the first handle portion 310 and secondhandle portion 320 to urge them together, which transitions the couplingdevice 100 to the open configuration. Next, the user inserts the bangstick through apertures 314, 324 of the handle assembly 301, whichmaintains the coupling device 100 in the open configuration when theuser releases his or her grip from the handle assembly 301. Next, usingthe bang stick, the user places the coupling device 100 on the powerline with the hinges 205 above the power line so that clamping portions222 of the hot clamps 220 extend around the power line. The user thenremoves the bang stick from the handle assembly 301. When the bang stickis removed from the handle assembly 301, the coupling device 100 issupported by the clamping portions 222 of the hot clamps 220, which reston the power line. In addition, when the bang stick is removed from thehandle assembly 301, the first handle portion 310 and second handleportion 320 are no longer held together. Consequently, the weight of thehousing portions 102,103 causes them to pivot downward around the hinges205 to a partially open configuration. In the partially openconfiguration, the housing portions 102, 103 are nearly closed and heldopen by gaskets and/or the core portions 501 a, which extend slightlyform the inside planar surfaces of the housing portions 102, 103.

Next, the lineman then uses the bang stick to tighten the hot clamps 220onto the power line. As is known in the art, the hot clamps 220 aretightened onto the power line by rotating the clamp bolt 223. Next, thetwist clamps 130 are closed by latching the twist clamp 130 onto thefront housing portion 103 and twisting the handle of the twist clamp130, which is preferably performed with the bang stick by inserting itinto an aperture (which may be added after manufacture) in the handle ofthe twist clamp 130 and turning the handle. As the handle of the twistclamp 130 is twisted, the back housing portion 102 and the front housingportion 103 are forced closer together. As discussed above, urging theback housing portion 102 and the front housing portion 103 togetherresults in the mating faces 505, 506 of the core portions 501 a cominginto contact with each other. The urging member, in the form ofsynthetic rubber gasket (or rubber spring) in this example embodiment,behind the core portions 501 a resist deformation and therefore, resistclosure of the housing once the core portions 501 a are in contact witheach other. Once the coupling device 100 is in the closed configuration,the core portions 501 a of the core are pressed tightly together attheir mating surfaces 505, 506 and resist movement.

Once the coupling device 100 is installed on the power line, a matingconnector (not shown) is coupled to the connector 401. As discussed, theconnector 401 provides a pathway for data and power transmissions intoand out of the coupling device. FIG. 12 is a schematical representationof the power coupling device 100 when coupled onto the power line aswell as other portions of an example power line coupler 10. Connectionnodes 114 a and 114 b represent the connection points at which the hotclamps 220 are connected to the power line 114.

As shown in FIG. 12, from an electrical perspective the coupling device100 includes a radio frequency (RF) filter or RF choke 705 in serieswith the medium voltage power line 114 and disposed between theconnection nodes. The RF choke 705 is an impedance provided by the eightferrite inductors disposed in the inductor chambers 140. Inductances mayrange from about 0.1 microHenries to 5.0 microHenries.

The RF choke 705 operates as a low pass filter. In other words, lowfrequency signals (e.g., a power signal having a frequency of 50 or 60Hz) pass through the RF choke 705 relatively unimpeded (i.e., RF choke705 can be modeled as a short circuit to low frequency signals). Highfrequency signals (e.g., a data signal), however, do not pass through RFchoke 705; rather, they are absorbed in RF choke 705 (i.e., RF choke 705can be modeled as an open circuit to high frequency signals). As such,the voltage across RF choke 705 includes data signals but substantiallyno power signals. This voltage (i.e., the voltage across RF choke 705)is applied to transformer 720 via capacitors 710 to receive data signalsfrom medium voltage power line 120. To transmit data signals to mediumvoltage power line 114, a data signal is applied to transformer 720,which in turn communicates the data signal to RF choke 705 throughcapacitors 710.

The desired inductance of the RF choke 705, and therefore the number,size, permeability, and other characteristics of the ferrite inductors,depends on the characteristics of the power line, the power signal, andthe data signal, including, but not limited to, the frequency band ofthe data signals. This example embodiment is designed to operate on aone and a quarter inch medium voltage power line in which data istransmitted in the thirty to fifty Megahertz range. In this exampleembodiment the impedance is in the range of four hundred to six hundredohms over the 30 MHz to 50 MHz range. Other embodiments may includeferrites having different characteristics or may use other methods ofconducting data signals to and from the power line, which may or may notbe inductive.

Power line coupling device 100 also includes the core 501, which couplesto the flux of the power line and provides a source of power to a powersupply 682. The voltage provided by the core 501 is dependent on thecore characteristics (e.g., permeability, size, and other parameters),the number of windings around the core, the amount of current (or changein current) through the power line, and other factors well known tothose skilled in the art.

FIG. 12 also shows other components of the power line coupler 10including transmit circuitry 610, receive circuitry 612, transmitoptoelectronic device 620, and receive optoelectronic device 622.

Capacitors 710 provide some electrical isolation between medium voltagepower line 114 and transformer 720. Capacitors 710 further providefiltering of stray power signals. That is, the data signal passes acrosscapacitors 710 while any lower frequency power signals are substantiallyprevented from passing across capacitors 710. Such filtering can beimplemented elsewhere within the system or not implemented at all.

Transformer 720 may operate as a differential transceiver. That is,transformer 720 may operate to repeat data signals received from RFchoke 705 to receive circuitry 612 and to repeat data signals receivedfrom transmit circuitry 610 to RF choke 705. Transformer 720 alsoprovides some electrical isolation between medium voltage power line 114and low voltage power line. Transformer 720 also permits RF signals,such as data signals, to pass through and travel on down the power line.

Capacitors 606 are electrically connected between transmit circuitry 610and receive circuitry 612 and transformer 720. Transmit circuitry 610and receive circuitry 612 are electrically connected to transmitoptoelectronic device 620 and receive optoelectronic device 622,respectively. Transmit optoelectronic device 620 and receiveoptoelectronic device 622 are in communication with communication medium630.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the communication medium 630is a fiber optic cable that provides electrical power isolation betweenmedium voltage power line 114 and low voltage power line. Othercommunication media may be used to provide such electrical powerisolation.

The present invention may be practiced in numerous alternatives to theexample embodiment described herein. For example, the connector 401 maybe an external connector, a connector on a circuit board attached to, orwithin, the housing 101. In addition, the data signal wires 703 and 704may be connected to the connector via a capacitor, or other filteringdevice. Furthermore, in other embodiments the conductors (data and/orpower) may not traverse inside the housing, but may simply extend awayfrom the housing or connection point individually or together in acable. Similarly, the connection points with the power line, whichprovide signals to and from data signal wires 703, 704, may be insidethe housing in other embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment for implementing the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the connector 402 includes a base portion403 and a extending portion 404. The extending portion 404 of theconnector 402 is a receptacle for receiving a fiber optic cableconnector. The base portion 403 is disposed inside the housing 101 andincludes a fiber optic transceiver. The fiber optic transceiver receivesdata signals transmitted over the power line from at least one of thedata signal wires 703, 704 and converts the signals to fiber opticsignals for transmission to the power line bridge 50 via the fiber opticcable. Likewise, the fiber optic transceiver receives fiber opticsignals from the fiber optic cable, converts them to an electrical datasignal for transmission over the power line, and transmits the converteddata signals through at least one of the data signal wires 703, 704 fortransmission of the power line.

The base portion 403 also includes a power supply (such as power supply682) for receiving power transmissions from the power conductors 503,504. In other words, the secondary winding of the core 501 is coupled tothe power supply, which in turn provides power to the optic transceiverand other circuitry in the connector 402. Thus, in this embodiment,essentially all of the elements shown in FIG. 12 are disposed inside thehousing 101 of the coupling device 100. A fiber optic connector 402described herein is further discussed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/176,501 (Attorney Docket No. CRNT-0069), filed Jun. 21, 2002, andentitled “Fiber Optic Connection System and Method of Using the Same,”which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate handle assembly 301 that can be used aspart of the coupling device 100 with slight modifications. The handleassembly 301 includes a first portion 330 mounted to the back housingportion 102 and a second portion 350 mounted to the front housingportion 103. The first portion 330 of the handle assembly 301 includesan extending portion 331 having an aperture 332 therethrough. Anadjusting member 335 is pivotally mounted to the first portion 330 ofthe handle 301 inside the aperture 332 of the extending portion 331. Inthis embodiment, the adjusting member 335 is tubular in shape with athreaded annular inside surface.

The first portion 330 is mechanically coupled to the second portion 350with an opening member 370. In this example embodiment of the alternatehandle assembly, the opening member 335 includes a threaded portion 372and an operating member 375 having an aperture sized to receive the endof a bang stick. The opening member 370 also includes a coupling member374 at its first end 371. The coupling member 374 is rotatably coupledto the threaded portion 372 of the opening member 370 so that thethreaded portion is free to rotate. The coupling member 374 is alsopivotally coupled to the pivot member 351 of the second portion 350 ofthe handle assembly 301.

The threaded portion 372 of the opening member 370 extends through theadjusting member 335 and engages the threads on the annular insidesurface of the adjusting member 335. The engagement of the threads ofthe threaded portion 372 with the threads on the annular inside surfaceof the adjusting member 335 causes the opening member 370 to movelongitudinally and relative to the adjusting member 335 (and relative tothe extended portion 331 of the first portion 330 of the handle assembly301) when the operating member 375 of the opening member 370 is rotated.Because the coupling member 374 at the first end 371 of the openingmember 370 is pivotally fixed to pivot member 351 of the second portion350, longitudinal movement of the opening member 370 causes the pivotmember 351 to move longitudinally with respect to the extending portion331 of the first portion 330 of the handle assembly 301 as well. Inaddition, the pivot member 351 rotates about the hinges 205, which actas a pivot point around which the front housing portion 103 pivots openand closed.

The user rotates the opening member 370 in a first direction totransition the coupling device 100 to the open configuration and rotatesthe opening member 370 in a second direction to transition the couplingdevice in the closed configuration.

While the present example embodiment is designed to couple to a mediumvoltage line, other embodiments of the present invention may be coupledto low voltage or high voltage power lines. Likewise, the overhead powerlines with which the above example embodiment is designed to operatehave characteristic impedance that is typically in the range of threehundred to five hundred ohms, and extremely low loss. Other embodimentsof the present invention may be designed to have differingcharacteristics (such as a differing inductance) for use with othertypes of power lines or overhead power lines having differingcharacteristics.

In another embodiment, the inductor toroids (which are formed by theferrites) are octagonal-shaped toroids. In this alternate embodiment,the inner radius of the inductor is circular in shape. The outer radiusis that of an octagon, which provides a greater surface area to abutagainst the urging member. Similarly, the core 501 (or cores if morethan one is used) may be octagonal-shaped as well. In addition, insteadof including a pair of inductors (or ferrites) in the outer chamber 150and inner chamber 140, a larger ferrite may be constructed so that it issized fill each chamber. In addition, the larger ferrite may include agroove along its external radial surface (preferably centered betweenthe ends) that mates with a protrusion in the chamber to assist inholding the ferrite in place.

Furthermore, other alternate embodiments may include a single inductorin each chamber 140, which is sized and shaped to provide the desiredinductance. Still other embodiments may include a single inductor, whichmay be a single ferrite toroid. Furthermore, inductors may be formed ofother shapes and of materials other than ferrite.

In the above described embodiment, the core 501 is positioned betweenthe connection points, which are at the hot clamps 220, to the powerline. Other embodiments may include a core positioned outside theconnection points to the power line or omit the core altogether.Likewise, the position of the inductors in other embodiments may becontiguous or have any other suitable position or placement for ease ofpackaging. To achieve the electrical characteristics of FIG. 13, thecoupling device disclosed in the above example includes an inductorbetween the connection points (the hot clamps 220) to the power line.However, the mechanics of the coupling device may used for other typesof coupling means—such as inductive or capacitive—which may provideother electrical characteristics and may or may not include anyinductive elements such that the coupling device does not include anyinductor (or ferrites) such as in a capacitive coupling device. In otherembodiments, such as those providing inductive coupling, the inductormay include one or more windings to couple data signals to and/or fromthe power line and the fastening members may or may not includeconductors coupled thereto.

In addition, the housing and other components of the coupling device arecoated and otherwise manufactured for use in outdoor environments. Inaddition, proper manufacturing tolerances and gaskets may be used toprevent water from entering the housing when in the closedconfiguration. Specifically, the gasket is disposed along the exterioredge and along the tubing portion of one of the two housing portions.

Finally, the type of data signal coupled by the coupling device may beany suitable type of data signal. The type of signal modulation used canbe any suitable signal modulation used in communications (Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), FrequencyDivision Multiplex (FDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex(OFDM), and the like). Typically, OFDM is used on both the low andmedium voltage portions. A modulation producing a wideband signal suchas CDMA that is relatively flat in the spectral domain may be used toreduce radiated interference to other systems while still deliveringhigh data communication rates.

It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments havebeen provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way tobe construed as limiting of the invention. Words which have been usedherein are words of description and illustration, rather than words oflimitation. In addition, the advantages and objectives described hereinmay not be realized by each and every embodiment practicing the presentinvention. Further, although the invention has been described hereinwith reference to particular structure, materials and/or embodiments,the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosedherein. Rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalentstructures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of theappended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of theteachings of this specification, may affect numerous modificationsthereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention.

1. A device for coupling data signals to and from a power line carryinga power signal, comprising: a housing having a first portion and secondportion configured to mate together in a first configuration; a passagedisposed in said housing to permit passage of the power line; a powersupply; a transceiver configured to receive power from said powersupply; a transformer disposed in said housing and having a coreconfigured to be coupled to the flux of the power signal; saidtransformer having a first winding and a second winding and wherein saidfirst winding is communicatively coupled to said power supply to supplypower thereto; and wherein second winding comprises the power line. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein said transceiver is configured totransmit signals over the power line.
 3. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid first housing portion and said second housing portion are coupledtogether by at least one hinge member.
 4. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a data signal conductor communicatively coupled to saidtransceiver and including a first end electrically coupled to the powerline at a first location and a second end coupled to a connector.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, further comprising a second data signal conductorcommunicatively coupled to said transceiver and having a first endelectrically coupled to the power line at a second location and a secondend coupled to said connector.
 6. The device of claim 5, furthercomprising a magnetically permeable toroid disposed substantially aroundthe power line between said first location and said second location. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein said transceiver is configured totransmit fiber optic signals.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein saidtransceiver comprises a fiber optic transceiver.
 9. The device of claim1, wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit data received viathe power line.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said transceivercomprises a fiber optic transceiver.
 11. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid transceiver is communicatively coupled to a non-power linecommunication medium to receive data therefrom.
 12. The device of claim11, wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit data received viathe non-power line communication medium over the power line.
 13. Thedevice of claim 11, wherein said transceiver is configured to transmitdata signals via the power line.
 14. A device for coupling data signalsto a power line, comprising: a housing; a passage disposed in saidhousing to permit passage of the power line; a transformer disposed insaid housing, said transformer comprising a winding and a core, saidcore configured to be disposed adjacent the power line extending throughsaid passage; said housing including a first housing portion and asecond housing portion coupled together via a hinge, said housing havingan open configuration and a closed configuration; and a transceiverconfigured to receive power from said winding.
 15. The device of claim14, wherein said transceiver receives power from said winding via apower supply.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein said transceivercomprises a fiber optic transceiver.
 17. The device of claim 14, wheresaid transceiver is disposed in said housing.
 18. A method of couplingdata signals to and from a power line, comprising: providing a housinghaving an open and a closed configuration; positioning said housing onthe power line; configuring said housing in the closed configuration;inductively coupling power from the power line; providing theinductively coupled power to a transceiver; receiving first data fromthe power line; and transmitting the first data with the transceiver.19. The method of claim 18, wherein said inductively coupled power issupplied to the transceiver via a power supply.
 20. The method of claim18, further comprising transmitting second data over the power line withthe transceiver.